Sheldon James Clinton, 84, of Elkader, passed away Saturday, June 25, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA.
He was born August 4, 1937, in Volga IA, to Vernon and Ruth (Baars) Clinton. He spent his childhood in Littleport and Communia in IA. He graduated from Elkader High School with the Class of 1955. Following graduation, Sheldon served in the United States Navy from 1955-1958 earning a Good Conduct service medal. He also met his future wife, Marilyn during his service. He then attended Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD and graduated in 1962 with Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Sheldon’s career began and ended in accounting in SD and IA, but also spent many years as a Nursing Facilities Administrator in IA, KS, MN, OR and WA.
On August 4, 1958, Sheldon was united in marriage to Marilyn Nelson in Elkader, IA. They divorced in 1966. Three children were born to this union; Rebecca, Linda and Jeffrey. Sheldon and Barbara Stephens (BJ) met 30 years ago and then were married on October 7, 2005 in Galena, IL.
Throughout his life he loved his family. He was an avid daily newspaper reader. He loved Sudoku and crossword puzzles. He also loved fishing with his brothers and friends up until he was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease a few years ago. He would also never turn down the opportunity to play cards (Euchre and Poker) specifically with his nephew Jason Miller as his partner. Most of all, he loved to DANCE!
Sheldon is survived by his wife Barbara (BJ) of Elkader; children, Rebecca (Gary) Hindman of Olathe, CO and Linda Thomas of Littleton, CO; four grandchildren, Lisa (Joel) Griebenow of Watertown, WI, Stephanie (Zane) Way of Centennial, CO, Aimee (Spencer) Gaibler of Broomfield, CO and Tyler Thomas of Littleton, CO; five great-grandchildren, Matthew and Nathan Griebenow; Brayden and Ava Way and Axel Gaibler; one great-great-grandchild, Emberly Griebenow; brother, Roland (Marguerite) Clinton of McGregor, sister, Shirley Meyer of Guttenberg, brother, Dennis (Rhonda) Clinton of Spokane, WA, brother, DeVere (Ellen) Clinton of Elkader, IA and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Sheldon was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife; son, Jeffrey Clinton; sister DonnaRuth Clinton; brothers, Nyal Clinton and KentJohn Clinton; brother-in-law, Harlan Meyer and nephew, Michael Clinton.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 AM on Friday, July 1, 2022, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader.
A Private Family Burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that in honor of Sheldon, memorials may be directed to the American Parkinson Disease Association or Hawkeye Seventh Day Adventist Church.